A new paradigm for professional development framework and curriculum renewal in engineering management education: a proposal for reform

Abstract

[Abstract]: Management education for engineers has been confined to traditional management programs offered by business schools, often in the form of an MBA. However, the changing environment for future engineering managers demands a revitalised framework and refreshed curriculum for professional development, especially in postgraduate education. The fluid nature of the management education market has introduced many influencing factors such as corporatisation of management education and proliferation of short courses. This change in delivery and curriculum preference is mainly as a result of the changing dynamics and needs of both employers and employees within the engineering context. Hence, this paper presents to the engineering profession a new paradigm and a proposal to reform the professional development framework and curriculum renewal for engineering management education within an Australian context.